About Firearm Training Institute
Founded by David Matthews – Director of Training
At Firearm Training Institute (FTI), our team strives to provide the highest level of cutting edge instruction in the most up to date and progressive firearms skills and tactics. The FTI instructor cadre is composed of a small team of NRA Instructors and NRA Training Counselors who all possess extensive backgrounds in civilian and military operations.
FTI is an industry leader in cutting edge and realistic training. All programs come under the direct supervision of the Director and NRA Training Instructor, David G. Matthews. He proudly oversees a highly skilled cadre of world-class instructors who are committed to developing the best and brightest possible instructors and students!
We guarantee that you will encounter the highest level of professionalism in all of our courses and that the skills you learn will greatly enhance your operational effectiveness and weapons handling techniques.
If you are interested in becoming a NRA Instructor, we offer all of the NRA Instructor Level Courses to students who possess and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude. Please contact us for more information.
Charles W. Miller – Chief Instructor Northern Division
Charlie has been an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor since 2014. He is certified as:
NRA CCW, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun,
Personal Protection inside the Home,
Personal Protection Outside the Home,
BSIS Training Instructor Firearm,
California Certified DOJ CCW Instructor
Muzzleloading and Home Firearm Safety Instructor,
NRA Certified Rangemaster,
USAA Level One Archery Instructor,
California Department of Justice to train DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructors.
Charlie is an avid hunter, enjoying the fall Deer and winter waterfowl seasons. He is also certified by the California Department of Justice to train DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructors.
Miller previously worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer at several Bay Area Universities, retiring as a Certified Athletic Trainer in 2015.
Rich Dziedzic – Chief Instructor Southern Division
Rich is certified as:
NRA CCW Instructor,
NRA Pistol Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection inside the Home Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor,
NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor,
DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructor.
Rich is also a Federal Firearms Licensee. Rich is a current Emergency Medical Technician, Hazardous Materials Technician, and Swift Water Rescue Technician.
In his spare time he enjoys Hunting and Fishing with his wife and children and competes in Military High Power Rifle Competitions.
Karen Williams – Instructor
Karen is certified as:
NRA CCW Instructor,
NRA Pistol Instructor,
NRA Rifle Instructor,
NRA Shotgun Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection inside the Home Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor,
NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor,
– DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructor.
Ms. Williams started shooting as a young child and continued to enjoy shooting till adulthood. She enjoys shooting both firearms and archery. Karen is an avid competitive archery shooter, hunter, and a recreational shooter of rifle, shotgun, and handguns.
Rick Araujo – Instructor
Rick is certified as,
NRA CCW Instructor,
NRA Pistol Instructor,
NRA Rifle Instructor,
NRA Shotgun Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection inside the Home Instructor,
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor,
NRA Home Firearm Safety Instructor,
DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructor.
California FFL 03 holder.
Rick is also an avid shooter competing in Pistol Matches, PCC Matches, Three Gun Matches, and various Shotgun competition including Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.
Henry Faris – Instructor
Henry is certified as:
NRA CCW, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun
Personal Protection Outside the Home,
Personal Protection inside the Home,
Muzzleloading
Home Firearm Safety Instructor,
NRA Certified Rangemaster,
USAA Level One Archery Instructor
DOJ Certified Firearms Safety Certificate Instructor.
Henry is an avid hunter but enjoys goose hunting best. In his spare time he enjoys restoring vintage firearms, skeet, and spending time with his grandchildren teaching them about the outdoors.